You were the most wonderful companion I could ever have had. I didn’t always pay you all the attention and sometimes other things got in the way. I may have been selfish at times, and for that I am truly sorry. I loved you with all my heart. I hope you never doubted that.

I am so grateful for your loyalty and devotion, and I know you always did everything in your power to be the best dog you could ever be. You succeeded. It was a real privilege to have you in my life.

You were, and always will be, so very special to me. My Best Boy!

When I first set eyes on you in that rescue centre, we formed an instant bond that can never be broken. You came, all those years ago, in answer to a prayer, when my days were dark and I needed strength ...and what immense strength you brought me! You turned my life around in ways I could never have imagined. Your skills and deftness were a joy to behold. Your big heart and thoughtfulness went far deeper than I have ever found in a dog. You brought me focus and a new pleasure in life. I hope I gave you as much in return.

Dearest Jake - My beautiful boy – Your passing has left a void such as I cannot describe.  I had a dreadful choice to make. One that I hoped I would never have to – But, although I tried my best to make things right, your illness had beaten us both.

I so hope you will forgive my final decision. I did what I prayed was best for you.  I know you wanted to come home but they said that nothing could be done and the drugs were unlikely to be effective enough and I could not bear for you to suffer. It broke my heart that I couldn’t grant your last wish, but you looked so tired, so defeated. You could barely stand. 
I will keep a part of you with me always. That special place inside of me, reserved especially for you, will never fade.

I hope that we will meet again on the other side. In the meantime, I hope that you find others who will love you as much as I do, and play with you, and that your spirit will continue to be the happy, joyful dog I have always known.

If ever there was a dog, who deserved the very best, it was you, my Jakey Boy. It was you.

Until we meet again
With love